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Police chief warns staffing strain could force end to 24-hour coverage
Summary
Police Chief Bruce Nason presented a new report format and warned that prolonged backup and case-resolution times, together with a small officer complement, could make continuous 24-hour coverage unsustainable without added staff or negotiated changes.
Bruce Nason, Police Chief, presented a draft report format and said the department will begin monthly active-case reporting to provide clearer information on call types and resolution times. He told the Selectboard the department has experienced extended backup and incident-resolution times and that the small number of officers on staff "may become necessary to discontinue around-the-clock coverage" if staffing levels do not improve.
Selectboard members acknowledged the strain. Peeker Heffernan said the Fourth of July staffing demand had been “exhausting” for the department and that the town needs to grow its force to meet peak-event needs. Town Administrator Gregory Faust said reopening contract negotiations will be a necessary step to address capacity and staffing, indicating the board will pursue follow-up discussions with town staff and labor representatives. The matter was raised during the Public Forum and is expected to return for further discussion.
